Doctor of Nursing Practice
Veteran and Military Health Care Leadership
This program is perfect for someone who wants to make a difference in the lives of veterans and military members. Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Veteran and Military Health Care Leadership prepares you to become a leader who innovates and advocates for better veteran and military healthcare. You’ll learn about topics unique to this population and develop ways to improve their care.
Overview
Format
Hybrid online
Mostly online with some in-person requirements on the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.
Avg. time to complete
4 years
10 semesters
Clinical placements set up for you
If you’re in Denver or Aurora, we arrange clinical placements for you. We work with some of the top clinics and hospitals in the metro area to provide high-quality, hands-on experiences.
Expert faculty dedicated to your success
Many of our faculty are recognized locally and nationally for their excellence in nursing, education, and research. Our educators are passionate about helping students advance their knowledge and careers.
#1
Doctor of Nursing Practice program in Colorado*
1st
program of its kind
Career
This program
prepares you for leadership roles where you'll improve healthcare systems and patient outcomes for veteran and military members. You'll learn about evidence-based practice, quality
improvement, and healthcare systems management.
Example job titles
- Chief nurse
- Nurse manager
- Community care coordinator
- Director of performance improvement
What you can do
- Work with veterans, military members, and their families
- Serve in management and administrative roles to improve military health systems
- Advocate for changes in military health systems
- Promote equitable and cost-effective healthcare for our veterans
Where you can work
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Community clinics
- Nonprofits and advocacy organizations
- Government agencies
What's the difference between a DNP and PhD degree?
The main difference between a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is their focus. The DNP program focuses on applying the latest evidence in clinical practice. The PhD program emphasizes scientific research and pairs you with a faculty member who shares your interests. Both degrees offer various career paths in clinical or academic settings and teach strategic leadership skills.
Not sure which is right for you? Contact the assistant dean of the PhD program or the assistant dean of the DNP program to discuss your options.
Admissions
Deadline(s)
| Start term | Application opens | Priority deadlinetooltip | Extended deadlinetooltip |
| Fall 2025 | August 15, 2024 | January 15, 2025 | May 1, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | January 15, 2025 | July 1, 2025 | Not applicable |
Get started
1
Check the requirements
Understand the admissions requirements like how many letters of recommendation you need and what courses should be on your transcript.
2
Start your application
Work on your application and submit it through NursingCAS.
Curriculum
Real-world experience
This program consists of 620 practicum hours instead of clinical hours. You’ll complete an internship and doctoral project focused on indirect patient care.
Advanced classes
You’ll complete 41 credit hours in this program. Courses teach you about topics including veteran and military healthcare systems, disability evaluation, and health systems management.
Skills and knowledge you'll gain
Costs
| Residency status | Estimated total tuition** |
| Colorado residents | $32,185 |
| Eligible western state residents** | $32,185 |
| Nonresidents | $52,193 |
| Additional expenses | Time frame | Estimated costs |
| Matriculation fee | One-time | $140 |
| Other fees | By term | Fall $392, Spring $232, Summer $180 |
| Books and supplies | Total for program | $2,000 |
| CU health insurance (may be waived with proof of comparable personal health insurance) | By term | Fall $1,575, Spring $1,575, Summer $1,050 |
It’s a huge benefit to be able to give back to veterans... I appreciate the knowledge I’ve gained through CU Nursing’s [Veteran and Military Health Care] program; and now I can take that knowledge and educate other healthcare professionals and patients.
Tiersa Pialet, MS, DNP
CU Nursing Alum
MS Veteran and Military Health Care and DNP Veteran and Military Health Care Leadership programs
Become the veterans healthcare advocate looked to first 
Get your degree from the top nursing college in Colorado. Start your journey to today.
Disclosures
* According to 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
**
Estimated total tuition based on 2024-2025 costs. Tuition estimates do
not include fees and other education-related costs. The in-state tuition
rate is also available to residents of eligible western states that
participate in the Western Graduate Regional Program (WRGP).
- Accreditation information.
- Certification and licensure for online students residing outside of Colorado: Please see the Nursing Certification Disclaimer and review the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements information.
- Gainful employment and program statistics: For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students completing our programs, and other important information, please visit the University of Colorado Denver Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.